Saj Bread – Recipe & How to Make Saj Bread at Home

Saj Bread – Recipe & How to Make Saj Bread at Home

Saj bread, also known as Shirak, is a type of thin, soft flatbread popular worldwide, especially in the Arab world.

There is some debate about its origins, with some sources claiming it is Turkish, while others suggest Egyptian roots.

What makes Saj bread unique is its thin and delicate texture, almost transparent when rolled properly.

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Ingredients for Saj Bread:

 

• 4 cups of sifted all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup of whole wheat flour (sifted well)
• 3 tablespoons of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of simple syrup (qatr)
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1 cup of warm milk
• A little lukewarm water
• ¼ cup of vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons of instant yeast

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How to Make Saj Bread at Home:

1. Prepare the Yeast:

• In a cup, mix instant yeast with ¼ teaspoon of sugar.
• Add a little lukewarm water, stir well, and cover.
• Let it sit until the mixture doubles in size, proving that the yeast is active.

2. Prepare the Dough:

• In a stand mixer or a large bowl, combine the sifted all-purpose flour, sifted whole wheat flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
• Sifting the flour is essential as it allows air to enter the dough, resulting in a soft texture.
• Add 1 tablespoon of simple syrup (qatr), which enhances the flavor and gives elasticity to the dough—one of the key features of Saj bread.
• Gradually add the milk, oil, and water, alternating between them, while mixing continuously.
• Pour in the yeast mixture and knead well using a stand mixer or by hand until the dough becomes soft and elastic.

3. Knead and Rest the Dough:

• Place the dough on a lightly oiled surface and knead it by hand for 5 minutes to ensure even consistency.
• Transfer the dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm place until it doubles in size.

4. Shape the Dough:

• After the dough has risen, divide it into equal-sized balls and shape them uniformly.
• Arrange the dough balls on a greased or lightly floured tray, cover, and let them rest for 15 minutes.

5. Roll the Dough:

• Lightly dust a smooth surface with flour.
• Flatten each dough ball first with your palms, then use a rolling pin to roll them out thinly.
• The thickness of each disc should not exceed 2mm.
• Let the rolled-out discs rest for 5 minutes before cooking.

6. Cook on the Saj:

• Preheat a Saj griddle or a flat pan to a medium heat setting.
• Place a rolled-out dough disc onto the hot Saj.
• Once bubbles start forming, flip it over using tongs.
• Continue cooking until it turns a golden-brown color and is fully cooked.

7. Store and Serve:

• Remove the cooked bread and place it on a clean cloth, wrapping it to keep it soft.
• Arrange the Saj bread in a suitable basket and serve warm with your favorite dishes.

Storage Tip:
To store Saj bread, place the cooled flatbreads in airtight plastic bags and refrigerate. They can also be frozen and reheated as needed.

Enjoy your homemade soft and thin Saj Bread! 🍞🔥